The Rangers had a challenging transfer window, losing several key targets while Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen worked on rebuilding the squad.
This was expected as the Belgian manager and recruitment director aimed to persuade budget-conscious players that their futures were in Glasgow. Competing in such markets typically leads to tough competition for signings, and this was certainly the case for one Latin American defender who received attention from Ibrox last season.
Despite a nearly completed £3.2 million transfer to Rangers, interest from the English Championship derailed the move. The centre-back has now shared that a conversation with his mother played a significant role in his decision-making process.
Jose Cordoba explains Rangers snub
Towering defender Jose Cordoba was one of Rangers’ most notable targets during the summer transfer window.
The 6ft 1in, 23-year-old Panamanian centre-back received a tour of Ibrox while attending the club’s 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock at the end of the previous season. As Rangers aimed to kick off their summer transfer window successfully, Cordoba was a hot topic at Ibrox.
However, just as a £3.2 million deal for the then Levski Sofia defender was nearing completion, Championship club Norwich City made a last-minute approach.
Rangers later informed friendly media that they had decided to withdraw from the Cordoba deal, but it was evident that the interest from Norwich influenced the centre-back’s choice.
During a discussion about Rangers’ interest on the Talk Norwich City podcast, Jose Cordoba shared that playing in the Premier League has always been his dream.
He added that his decision was solidified after conversations with his wife and mother. “It was because my dream is to play in the Premier League,” Cordoba explained when asked about choosing Norwich City over Rangers.
“Secondly, I think about my family before anything else, so after talking with my mum and my wife, the decision came quickly.
“I’m the one in charge, but I always consult my mum and those around me before making my final decision.”
Norwich City’s star defender was poised to reject an opportunity in Italy in favor of a move to Rangers.
Norwich City has been gradually integrating Jose Cordoba into their first team, and the Panamanian is now beginning to make his impact.
Having played the full 90 minutes in the club’s last two English Championship matches—both of which resulted in victories over Watford and Derby County—Cordoba is focused on achieving Premier League promotion. The opportunity to compete in the English top flight was too enticing for him to pass up, leading to a different path at Carrow Road instead of joining Rangers.
When asked about when he first learned of Norwich City’s interest in him, Cordoba noted that the approach came before the start of this summer’s Copa America, which began on June 21, with the news breaking at the end of May.
The centre-back also revealed that he had another offer from an Italian club following a successful 30 months in Bulgaria. “(Norwich’s interest came) before the Copa America, but I’m not exactly sure which month,” Cordoba explained.
“There was also interest from one club in Italy, but I really like English football, and I always choose to play in the UK if I have the opportunity.
“So, it was a quick decision for me—not immediate, but you have this feeling that you must be there.”
Meanwhile, Rangers had to wait until the end of the transfer window to acquire a player with a similar profile, securing Neraysho Kasanwirjo on loan from Feyenoord.